Testing the electrical system

December 6, 2022
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Unkategorisiert

Why does the electrical installation need to be checked?
Hardly any other technical system is as inconspicuous and yet as essential for the function and safety of a building as the electrical installation. Also referred to as “electrical installation” in a legal context, it is essential for the functioning of machines, devices and systems in real estate and is therefore the basis for our prosperity, safety and comfort.

Unfortunately, defects and faults in electrical systems are the cause of around 4000 accidents at work (in Germany) and around 30% of all fires every year – so it is all the more important to keep a watchful eye in order to continuously minimize the risks (personal injury, property damage, fire, loss of business, insurance recourse, etc.) and maximize the benefits in the long term.

Practical tips
To achieve this goal, it is not enough to carry out an inspection every few years, but to make sure at all times and check through regular inspections that

electrical operating rooms are locked (controlled access for specialists only)
no flammable materials are stored in it
distributors are easily accessible, the doors are fully openable and clean
the circuit diagrams are available on site and are up-to-date
all covers are correctly fitted (protection against accidental contact)
no humming or buzzing can be heard
no strong heating of the components is noticeable (thermography)
in the vicinity of el. Only CO² fire extinguishers may be used in the vicinity of electrical systems
Distributor is not placed under water pipes if possible
the appropriate fuses are in stock as replacements
train employees as “electrotechnically instructed persons” if required

What is part of the system and must be checked?
Essentially, this includes

Distribution cabinets
RCD circuit breaker
Fuses
Cables
Sockets, lights

A thermographic inspection is particularly useful for loaded distributors in order to detect overloaded components in good time and thus reduce the risk and significantly extend the service life.

What legal obligations apply?
The building operator is obliged to ensure safety and health protection (e.g. Employee Protection Act (ASchG), Electrical Engineering Act (ETG), Electrical Protection Ordinance (ESV), etc.) and to have electrical systems and equipment inspected (and defects rectified) (this obligation is deemed to have been fulfilled if testing is carried out in accordance with ÖVE/ÖNORM E 8101-6).

When does the electrical installation need to be checked?
Electrical installations must

before the first commissioning
after significant changes
before recommissioning
recurring

be checked.

The periodic inspection is generally required every 5 years, but may be prescribed differently by the authorities, e.g.

to 10 years (for low use, e.g. in offices)
to 3 years (for exceptional use, e.g. in workshops, kitchens, wet areas, etc.)
for 1 year (e.g. on construction sites)

How is the test carried out?
The test is carried out in 3 steps

Inspection – visual inspection for damage or incorrect use, contact protection, cable cross-sections, marking, labeling, accessibility, documentation
Testing – function of the protective and monitoring device, direction of rotation for motors and sockets
Measurement – analysis of the system status using measured values (e.g. resistances, equipotential bonding, tripping current, time and type for RCDs, short-circuit currents, etc.).

Who can carry out the test?
The electrical installation must be checked by an experienced electrician with a suitable measuring instrument. Before commissioning, a number of references should be requested from the service provider.

For (liability) legal reasons in particular, it is recommended that maintenance, repair and testing tasks are carried out by external electricians.

How is the test to be documented?
A test report (e.g. in accordance with ÖVE/ÖNORM E 8101-6) must be drawn up on the test – this must contain at least the test date, the name/signature of the tester or the testing body, the scope and results of the test (which system, system components, equipment were tested? Defects & criticality?) and the measures for fault and additional protection.

In the event of damage, it is essential to be able to prove that you have fulfilled your obligations (organization, control, documentation, qualification, measures) and have done everything possible to avoid damage – because the public prosecutor always asks “What could you as the building operator have done to prevent or mitigate the damage?

To make sure you don’t miss any more appointments in future, download the MyBuilding24 app. There you can record all your devices requiring maintenance and manage the associated appointments. With a complete list of maintenance work available at all times, you are always on the safe side.